"We are still working on site development and concepts," Norcross said of the planned $8 million, two-story flagship D&W Fresh Market store that will replace a former Duthler's Family Foods.

When the project was announced in January, officials anticipated construction beginning in the spring, pending city approval.

Nothing has been presented to the city yet, said Suzanne Schulz, the city's planning director.

Norcross declined specifics about the timeline.

The two planned stores are part of an effort by the Byron Township-based grocery store operator and distributor to expand while upgrading existing stores.

Growth was a topic during a conference call with analysts Thursday morning following the release of earnings for the first quarter of 2009.

The company reported the highest first-quarter profit in six years with $9.9 million -- or 46 cents per share. That was a 52 percent increase from $6.5 million, or 30 cents per share, over the same period last year.

Sales rose nearly 13 percent to $586.7 million for the quarter ending June 21, from $520.2 million for the first quarter of 2008.

While profits exceeded analysts' expectations by 13 cents a share, overall sales fell short by just more than $1 million.

Even though the Dow Jones Industrial average fell 200 points Thursday, Spartan posted an increase of 84 cents, closing at $23.79 on the Nasdaq.

Since buying the 20-store Hastings-based Felpausch Food Center chain last summer, Spartan Stores has been retooling those stores into Family Fare or D&W Fresh Market stores.

Earlier this year, former Felpausch stores in Dowagiac, Albion and Paw Paw reopened as Family Fares. In June, a store in Williamston reopened as a D&W Fresh Market, marking the first time the banner was opened outside West Michigan.

In Petoskey, Spartan Stores upgraded a Glen's Market to a Glen's Fresh Marketplace. The first upscale version of that banner has the feel of a D&W Fresh Market with a Starbucks coffee bar and expanded wine selection.

The Felpausch store in Hastings is scheduled to reopen as a Family Fare in early January and relocate to a former Plumb's Market.

That site is being expanded to include a drive-up pharmacy and fuel center.

Two more remodeled stores yet to be announced are expected to reopen about the same time.

"We are just starting to benefit from the acquisition of our Felpausch stores," Sturken said.

Spartan owns 84 stores in Michigan under the D&W, Family Fare, Felpausch and Glen's banners.